Best of Pyeongtaek Poll 2023 Winners < The South of Seoul Blog

Looking for the best restaurants, cafes, and spots for drinks in Pyeongtaek? Here are the winners of the 2023 Best of Pyeongtaek Awards!

What is South of Seoul?

Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul (SOS) volunteer organization supports ex-pats living outside Seoul. The SOS volunteers manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, the South of Seoul blog, the SOS Public Health Program, and the South of Seoul smartphone app.

Our volunteers adore the rich life we live south of Seoul, and we feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals since access may feel complicated. However, with a little information like the ‘Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners’ list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike.

What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll?

South of Seoul is proud to host the 7th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to celebrate our delicious and delightful community. The Best of Pyeongtaek Awards provide a chance for the international community to support their favorite people and places.

How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2023?

For 2023, South of Seoul added a few new categories and withdrew a few to respond to the changes in our community’s dining needs and culinary interests. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, we adjust the categories each year to reflect changes in the community. We actively assess the current needs of the international community by analyzing the information and questions shared in our various community groups. Such an agile program design means the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll is a little different each year.

Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll?

The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information, whether that information matches our beliefs or not.

South of Seoul limits each business to 3 wins. We do this to keep the poll results engaging, helpful, and informative. In addition, since write-in votes are allowed, and some businesses may have an overwhelming advantage due to location and language ability, limiting the number of wins per business to 3 categories creates a better experience for all involved.

South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the community’s authentic needs. Therefore, the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 250 ballots were cast in the poll in 2019, over 320 were cast in 2021, and over 730 were submitted in 2022.

What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2023?

When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2023 poll, we found that English-speaking residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek continued to expand! We can see this trend based on the increasing votes for locations beyond Sinjang-dong and Anjeong-ri. This trend started in 2018 and continues to grow each year. We love to see the international community comfortably exploring more areas across Pyeongtaek-si.

In 2023, 37% of Best of Pyeongtaek winners are located away from US military bases. That’s a 4% increase from 2023. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English-dominant or 2) are located outside the Songtan/Sinjang-dong or Paengseong-eup areas.

In 2023, 33% of Best of Pyeongtaek winners won for the first time. Many new businesses opened after the end of the pandemic and many old favorites closed. Our community has seen a great deal of change in the last year and we expect to see a lot more as Pyeongtaek continues to grow.

In 2023, we learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each Pyeongtaek Food & Fun member has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for international residents living in Pyeongtaek to gather information.

We want to congratulate the SOS Technology Development Volunteers for continuing to build the South of Seoul app. We never imagined a volunteer-built app could compete in Pyeongtaek with giants like Naver, Kakao, Google, and Facebook. Especially since the Android version of the South of Seoul app currently doesn’t load. Thankfully, in 2023 our team continued to work on the new version of the South of Seoul app which should be available to the public in early 2024.

In 2023, Best of Pyeongtaek Poll participants prioritized the following when choosing a restaurant 1) Parking, 2) Affordability, 3) Recommended by A friend, 4) English Menu Available, and 5) Healthy Food Options.

Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2023. Go visit them all!

PYEONGTAEK’S BEST NEIGHBORHOODS

SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Nights

In the South of Seoul moderated Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group people often ask, “Where can we go on a date?” Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek.

Past Awards:

2022 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood
2021 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood, Best “Hangout” Neighborhood
2020 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood, Best “Hangout” Neighborhood
2019 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood
2018 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood
2017 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood

PAENGSEONG-EUP (ANJEONG-RI) Offers the Best Experience for Hanging Out Friends and Families

The English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek have spoken and chosen Paengseong-eup (this includes Anjeongri-ri). This is the first win for Paengseong (Anjeongri) as in the past, Sosabeol has swept all of the votes for Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood, and Best “Hangout” Neighborhood.

So, if you want to hang out with friends or find new friends, maybe consider visiting Anjeong-ri for an evening of bar hopping and evening fun.

Most Visited Traditional Markets

In 2023 we asked Expats to vote for the most Most Visited Traditional Markets. The Top 3 most shopped traditional markets are: Tong Bok Market, Paengseong 5 Day Market, and Songtan Traditional Market. Make sure to visit these the next time you need some groceries for the house.

PYEONGTAEK’S BEST MEAT RESTAURANTS

Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Braai Republic offers heaping plates of South African comfort food including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Braai Republic also has a location in Seoul. In addition to their BBQ, we also recommend their hearty and filling meat pies. Braai has been winning Best of Pyeongtaek awards since 2018!

Braai Republic’s Other Awards:

2018 Best World Cuisine
2018 Best Non-Korean BBQ
2019 Best World Cuisine
2020 Best World Cuisine
2021 Best International Grilled Meat
2022 Best International Grilled Meat

Best American BBQ Restaurant: UJ SMOKEHOUSE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

UJ SmokeHouse moved from Sosabeol to Paengseong in 2022. Their delicious smoked meats and comforting side dishes quickly made them a popular American BBQ spot. Their location to the Camp Humphreys also makes them easy to find and access. Great for lunch and dinner. They also do catering.

UJ Smokehouse’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Pork Galbi Restaurant: MYEONGNYUM AYCE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Myeongnyum AYCE is a popular galbi restaurant in South Korea that opened a location in Paengseong. They became a big hit with the English-speaking community in 2021 earning them their first Best of Pyeongtaek award. Not only is their galbi excellent, they are also all-you-can-eat (AYCE).

Myeongnyun AYCE‘s Other Awards:

2021 Best Galbi Restaurant
2022 Best Galbi Restaurant

Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Arirang has been around for many years. The location offers delicious Korean BBQ and side dishes near spacious and comfortable cafes. It makes it the perfect spot for families, couples, and companies. The location also offers plenty of parking huge tables and private rooms.

Arirang’s Other Awards:

2021 Best Korean BBQ Restaurant
2022 Best Korean BBQ Restaurant

Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Bijeondong (Sosabeol)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Not everyone enjoys fried chicken and you have great options. The best option in Pyeongtaek is Sous Vide Chicken Pub where you can have sous vide chicken dishes that melt off the bone.

Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards:

2021 Best Non-Fried Chicken
2022 Best Non-Fried Chicken
2022 Best Family Restaurant

Sous Vide Chicken Pub South of Seoul App info

Best Fried Chicken: MR CHICKEN

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Bijeondong (Sosabeol)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Mr. Chicken has been at it for a while in the Sinjang-dong area but moved to Sosabeol in 2023. The offer hearty servings of delicious fried chicken with options including garlic soy sauce, yangnyeom or just plain fried chicken, you cannot go wrong. And top off your order with their french fry and tater tots mix! The perfect meal for hungry days.

Mr. Chickens Other Awards:

2022 Best Fried Chicken

PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANTS

Best Date Night: LITTLE GREECE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Little Greece originally opened in Cheonan but moved to Paengseong in 2023. The restaurant feels like going on vacation. The moment you enter their doors you experience the feelings and taste of Greece. The perfect spot for a date night or evening out with friends. Make sure to also try their excellent selection of Greek wines.

Little Greece’s Other Awards:

2023 Best Aegean Restaurant

Best Pub / Sports Bar: NOM CRAFT BEER PUB

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

NOM Craft Beer Pub opened in 2023 and offers Pyeongtaek’s largest selection of Korean craft beers. They also have a large rooftop deck and polished atmosphere. A great place to explore Korea’s growing craft beer culture.

Nom Craft Beer’s Other Awards:

2023 Best Korean Traditional Alcohol
2023 Best Craft Beer

Best Family Restaurant: MOUNTAIN RESTAURANT

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Bijeondong (Sosabeol)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Mountain Restaurants provides a great deal of support to the international community in Pyeongtaek. In 2022 the community responded with an outpouring of support for Mountain Restaurant, giving them their first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Mountain Restaurant contines to offer excellent curries with rich flavors and hearty servings.

Mountain Restaurant’s Other Awards:

2022 Best Indian Restaurant

PYEONGTAEK’S BEST INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS

Best South American Restaurant: CEVICHE 210

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show-stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen’ delicious. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul.

Ceviche 210’s Other Awards:

2017 Best World Cuisine
2018 Best Peruvian
2019 Best Peruvian
2020 Best Peruvian
2021 Best South American
2022 Best South American

Best African Restaurant: BRAAI REPUBLIC

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Braai Republic’s Other Awards:

2018 Best World Cuisine
2018 Best Non-Korean BBQ
2019 Best World Cuisine
2020 Best World Cuisine
2021 Best International Grilled Meat
2022 Best International Grilled Meat
2023 Best International Grilled Meat

Best Filipino Restaurant: NORTH LUZON GRILLERS

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

North Luzon Grillers opened in 2023 and they specialize in Filipino grilled meat dishes. Although the business may be new, the founders have been working in the industry in Pyeongtaek for a while and are known for their delicious food. North Luzon is their venture that quickly became a community favorite.

North Luzon Grillers’ Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Central Asian: CAFE ISLAM

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Anjung-eup

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Cafe Islam offers hearty, homemade, Halal meals that will fill you up and have you coming back for more. The lamb and chicken skewers are some of the best in Pyeongtaek and Asan.

Cafe Islam’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Thai Restaurant: EATHAI

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Eathai moved to Pyeongtaek from Seoul in 2020. They offer globalized Thai food that hits the spot. Their food tends to be approachable and easy on the spicy. Their iced tea is an absolute MUST Try.

Eathai’s Other Awards:

2020 Best Thai Restaurant

Best Italian Restaurant: ITALIAN TABLE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Godeok-myeon

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

The Italian Table opened in Godeok in 2023. They offer a cozy and comfortable space that serves up hearty Italian-inspired recipes. Popular with families and those looking for a date night close to home.

Italian Table’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Fusion-Mexican or Mexican: QUE RICO

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Que Rico has been a Pyeongtaek favorite for many years. Their focus on traditional Mexican food and a great atmosphere make it the perfect spot for tacos and other Mexican meals. If you love authentic Mexican food, flavors and tacos, make sure to put Que Rico on your list of top spots.

Que Rico’s Other Awards:

2018 Best Mexican or Tex-Mex
2020 Best Tacos
2021 Best Tacos
2022 Best Tacos
2022 Best Fusion-Mexican or Mexican
2023 Best Tacos

Best Vietnamese: PHO VIETNAM

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

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Vietnamese restaurants became a popular trend across Pyeongtaek in 2020 with a wide variety of new spots opening in many different neighborhoods. However, Pho Vietnam stood out. Tucked away on a side street in Anjeongri near Camp Humphreys, this small restaurant continues to offer big flavor and good prices.

Pho Vietnam’s Other Awards:

2021 Best Vietnamese
2022 Best Vietnamese

Best Aegean: LITTLE GREECE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Little Greece’s Other Awards:

2023 Best Date Night Restaurant

Best Indian: MOUNTAIN RESTAURANT

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (AK Plaza Area)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Mountain Restaurants provides a great deal of support to the international community in Pyeongtaek. In 2022 the community responded with an outpouring of support for Mountain Restaurant, giving them their first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Mountain continues to offer excellent curries with rich flavors and hearty servings.

Mountain Restaurant’s Other Awards:

2022 Best Indian
2023 Best Family Restaurant

Best Japanese Restaurant: SAM’S SUSHI

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (AK Plaza Area)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Sam’s Sushi works hard to stay committed to quality western-style sushi. As a result, their comforting flavors remained reliable through the difficulties of the pandemic and today.

Sam’s Sushi’s Other Awards:

2019 Best Japanese Restaurant
2019 Best Western Sushi
2020 Best Japanese Restaurant
2020 Best Western Sushi
2021 Best Japanese Restaurant
2022 Best Sushi

PYEONGTAEK’S BEST COMFORT FOOD

Best Korean Soups or Stews: Budaejjigae

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

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Sutgogae Budaejjiga is one of Pyeongtaek’s most famous restaurants. For decades, it’s served up Songtan-style buddaejjigae for area residents. It’s also the first winner of the Best Korean Soups or Stews category added in 2023.

Budaejjigae’s Other Awards:

This is their first win

Best Meat Pies: BILTONG BOX

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Biltong Box opened in 2023 offering South African biltong and meat pies. This hole-in-the-wall shop quickly became a town favorite with its fast, hearty, and affordable savory pies. Since opening, they have also started offering homemade sausage rolls, South African desserts, and other meals to go.

Biltong Box’s Other Awards:

This is their first win

Best Shabu-Shabu: PUMPKIN DUCK SHABU SHABU

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Jangan-dong

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Shabu-shabu is a popular dish in Pyeongtaek; nobody does it better than the pumpkin duck shabu-shabu restaurant. Delicious side dishes, a scrumptious main course, and fresh ingredients make this spot an endless favorite. Make sure to go hungry because it’s enough food to make you feel full for days.

PUMPKIN DUCK SHABU SHABU’s Other Awards:

2022 Best Shabu Shabu

Best Wings: PUB 210

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Pub 210 is a classic North American sports bar. They offer brunch on weekends and a huge menu of Western pub foods throughout the week. They have space for families for dinner and groups of friends to play pool, eat, and watch sports. A great spot to hangout and meet new people.

PUB 210’s Other Awards:

2021 Best Cocktails

Best Cold Sandwiches: 292 LU BAKERY

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

292 Lu Bakery opened near Camp Humphreys in 2013. Previously, the bakery existed in Sosabeol. The cafe bakes homemade sourdough and other goodies daily. They also offer excellent coffees and sandwiches that make the perfect breakfast or lunch.

292 Lu Bakery’s Other Awards:

2023 Best Tiny Bakery
2023 Cozy Neighborhood Coffee Shop

Best Hot Sandwiches: EPHPHATHA

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Ephphatha has once again won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly cheese steaks. A well-deserved win by this hardworking shop. Sandwich shops keep opening in the area, but Ephphatha has held on and kept up the great work. In 2020 they also began offering the first burger in Pyeongtaek served on a homemade pretzel bun.

Ephphatha’s Other Awards:

2018 Best Sandwich Shop
2019 Best Sandwich Shop
2020 Best Sandwich Shop

2021 Best Sandwich Shop

Best Burgers: COCO SALSA

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) and Pyeongtaek-si, Bijeon-dong (Sosabeol)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Against all odds (their original location exists in a parking lot in a basement of Brownstone), Coco Salsa won over Pyeongtaek’s heart for Best Burgers for the fifth year in a row. Their In-n-Out-inspired burgers are both delicious and affordable. Moreover, they offer the perfect combination of taste, affordability, and convenience with two locations in Paengseong, kiosk ordering, and fast service.

Coco Salsa’s Other Awards:

2019 Best Burger
2020 Best Burger
2021 Best Burger
2021 Best Loaded Fries
2022 Best Burger

Best Tacos: QUE RICO

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Que Rico brings the taste and heart of Mexico to Pyeongtaek. The handmade tortillas, slow-cooked meats, and careful attention to tradition win hearts again and again. This is not their first Best of Pyeongtaek win but it is an awesome achievement as one of the smaller Mexican restaurants in the area.

Que Rico’s Other Awards:

2018 Best Mexican/ Tex-Mex
2020 Best Tacos
2021 Best Tacos
2022 Best Tacos
2022 Best Fusion-Mexican or Mexican Restaurant
2023 Best Fusion-Mexican or Mexican Restaurant

Best US Style Sushi: SNOW PEA SUSHI

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Snow Pea opened in Pyeongtaek in 2023. Before moving to Pyeongtaek they operated popular sushi restaurants in Texas and Daegu. They offer quality, straightforward, and classic American-style sushi rolls.

Snow Pea’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Japanese Ramen: A-RAMEN

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (Near AK Plaza)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Each year competition to win the Best Ramen in Pyeongtaek increases. Despite that, A-Ramen continues to rise to the top of the ramen conversation. Their small and intimate space is perfect for eating alone or on a date. Although A-Ramen split from the Aori Ramen franchise, they continue to deliver top-notch, crave-able ramen.

A-Ramen’s Other Awards:

Best Ramen 2019
Best Ramen 2020
Best Ramen 2021
Best Ramen 2022

Best Fish & Chips: FISH AND CHIPS

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Fish & Chips focuses on providing the top quality, crispy classic fish and chips. The crunch on their fish is unmatched. They also have the perfect vinegar and tarter sauce for that old-fashioned British fish and chips experience.

Fish & Chips’ Other Awards:

2022 Best Fish & Chips

Best Pizza: ELDORA RESTAURANT

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

This small, chef-owned, and Spanish-inspired restaurant offers the Best Pizza in Pyeongtaek according to the local vote. Their homemade crust, unique fresh ingredients, and attention to detail have many people hooked on their elegant pizzas.

Eldora’s Other Awards:

2022 Best Pizza

Best ‘Western’ Breakfast or Brunch: LE PAIN

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Le Pain is a popular bakery and brunch location near Brownstone apartments in Paengseong. The small bakery-cafe offers up popular brunch favorites with a changing seasonal menu.

Le Pain’s Other Awards:

2021 Best Brunch
2022 Best ‘Western’ Breakfast or Brunch

Best Korean Brunch: HOCUS POCUS ROASTERS

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Ichung

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Hocus Pocus Roasters works hard to keep its best brunch status. Their Korean brunch menu often includes a rotation of gorgeous pasta, salads, and sandwiches served in a stunning countryside setting. In addition, the staff provides excellent service. It’s the perfect spot for a lazy and relaxed brunch with family and friends.

This is Hocus Pocus Roaster’s Other Awards:

2022 Best Korean Brunch

PYEONGTAEK’s BEST PLACES For DRINKS

Looking for the perfect spot to grab a drink after visiting one of Pyeongtaek’s amazing restaurants and cafes? Try of the these spots to find the perfect drink and a great vibe.

Best Craft Beer: NOM BEER COMPANY

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Nom Beer Company opened in 2023 with a focus on Korean craft beer and spirits. They have the most Korean craft beers on tap in all of Pyeongtaek and the largest selection in their bottle shop. You can enjoy their beers in their spacious pub, on their rooftop, or take them home.

Nom Craft Beer’s Other Awards:

2023 Best Pub/Sports Bar
2023 Best Korean Traditional Alcohol

Best Korean Traditional Alcohol: OMG DRINKS MARKET & NOM BEER COMPANY

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Tong Bok & Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

We had an exact tie between OMG Drinks Market and NoM Beer Company. Both locations are an excellent place to try a variety of Korean spirits. OMG offers a curated Korean food and drinking experience and bottle shop while NoM offers a Western-style drinking menu and bottle shop.

OMG Drinks Market’s Other Awards:

2022 Best Korean Craft Beer
2023 Best Korean Traditional

Best Shots and Cocktails: 2YU

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

2YU is the place to go for cocktails and shots. Located on Rodeo Street outside of Camp Humphreys, this is a popular spot to grab a few drinks after dinner.

2YU’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

PYEONGTAEK’s BEST CAFES, BAKERIES & DESSERTS

Best Hip/Cool Kids Cafe: Honeyflex

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Jukbaek-dong (Sosabeol)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Honeyflex not only serves honey-themed drinks, but it also looks like a honeycomb. The friendly owners and relaxing atmosphere make it a must-visit cafe.

Honeyflex’s Other Awards:

2022 Best Hip/Cool Kids Cafe

Best Elegant Cafe: GRAVITY CAFE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Oseong-myeon

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Gravity Cafe in Oseong-myeong is part of a local coffee chain that creates beautiful spaces and offers excellent desserts and coffee. Their branch in Oseong-myeon is especially beautiful with spacious seating areas, a fresh interior, and lots of light.

Gravity’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Epic Cafe: MAIN STREET CAFE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, West Pyeongtaek (Near Pyeongtaek Port)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

In 2021 a number of large cafes opened up across Pyeongaek which required the creation of the “Epic Cafe” category and Main Street Cafe is the poster child for amazing. A whole universe exists inside this giant cafe near the Pyeongtaek Port.

Main Street Cafe’s Other Awards:

2021 Best Epic Cafe
2022 Best Epic Cafe

Main Street Cafe South of Seoul App info

Best Dog Cafe: RIVERUN CAFE AND DOOLEY’S PETS

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Deongmok-ri

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Riverun Cafe and Dooley’s Pets’ brunch and bakery cafe offers both pet-friendly and people-only buildings with two outdoor off-leash areas. One for large dogs and one for small dogs. Perfect for families with kids and pets since everyone has plenty of safe places to play.

Riverun Cafe and Dooley’s Pets’ Other Awards:

2022 Best Dog Cafe

Best Coffee Roasters: TUFF ENUFF

Best Professional Bakery: TUFF ENUFF

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Deongmok-ri

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Tuff Enuff is a diamond hiding in the rough. Once you visit Tuff Enuff you will be counting the days until you can go back again. From its impressive bakery to its rustic interior, this cafe knows how to create a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Tuff Enuff’s Other Awards:

2021 Best Professional Bakery
2022 Best Professional Bakery

Tuff Enuff Coffee South of Seoul App info

Best Cozy Neighborhood Coffee Shop: 292 LU BAKERY

Best Tiny Bakery: 292 LU BAKERY

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

292 Lu Bakery’s Other Awards:

2023 Best Cold Sandwiches

Best Pumpkin Spice Latte: CAFE LOUIS

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Cafe Louis opened in 2023. They offer fantastic seasonal drinks. This year they won the VERY competitive Best PSL Award with their Pumpkin Spice Latte made with their own unique syrup.

Cafe Louis’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Western Cookies: CAFE HANGOUT

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)

Leave them your reviews in the South of Seoul app.

Sweet treats and holiday treats bring the feeling of home to ex-pat lives. Cafe Hangout has mastered the art of Western sweets and treats that delight the English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Grab one of their giant and tasty cookies with a specialty coffee next time you need a treat

Cafe Hangout’s Other Awards:

2021 Best Neighborhood Coffee Shop
2021 Best Western Cookies
2021 Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
2022 Best Cookies
2022 Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
2022 Best Tiny Bakery

Best Western Donuts: COSMIC CAT DONUTS

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base)

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Western-style donuts are on the rise in South Korea. Cosmic Cat arrived late in the game offering the area’s first small-batch donuts. Cosmic Cat quickly gained popularity to the point that they sold out in hours every day they were open for weeks. That passion also translated into them beating out Western donut favorites like Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme. These are must-try donuts that you should not miss, even if you have to show up early and enjoy each other in line.

Cosmic Cat’s Other Awards:

2020 Best Donuts
2021 Best Western Donuts
2022 Best Craft Beer Spot
2022 Best Western Donuts

Best Bagels: ALWAYS COFFEE AND BAKERY

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Jukbaek-dong (Sosabeol)

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Always Coffee and Bakery opened in 2023. They are the first bagel shop to open near Camp Humphreys and they offer fresh-baked bagels daily along with bagel sandwiches. This family-owned spot loves what they do and enjoy trying new things. They often open early.

Always Coffee and Bakery’s Other Awards:

This is their first win.

Best Non-Bakery Desserts: BEE AND HONEY CAFE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinwang-ri

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Not everyone can enjoy baked goods and we wanted to highlight other wonderful cafes focused on non-baked desserts. Bee & Honey Cafe offers exceptional desserts made with local honey.

Bee & Honey Cafe’s Other Awards:

2019 Best Unique Cafe Drink
2020 Best Unique Cafe Drink
2022 Best Non-Bakery Desserts

PYEONGTAEK’S MOST USED APPS

Most Used Delivery App: SHUTTLE

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinwang-ri

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Shuttle easily swept the delivery category this year. Offering a delivery app in English allows ex-pats to avoid the language hurdles when trying to order delivery. They also regularly support community events and work to help support the ex-pat community in Korea.

Awards:

2022 Most Used Delivery App

Most Used Navigation App: NAVER MAPS

Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinwang-ri

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Naver Maps dominated the Navigation Maps category in the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll. It’s clearly the winning Navigation App for finding locations in Pyeongtaek and South Korea.

Awards:

2022 Most Used Navigation App

If you would like to learn more about how to use Naver Maps check out the following South of Seoul blog articles:

Navigating Korea: Using Naver Maps

Nav Apps: Options, Strengths, and Failures

How to Create a Custom Travel Itinerary in Korea

Previous Best of Pyeongtaek Winners

You can view the past winners of Best of Pyeongtaek here:

South of Seoul

Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.